Sister Leticia Ugboaja a 56-year-old Nigerian-born Roman Catholic nun, was detained by ICE on June 28, 2026 a short distance from Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen and was released later the same day after outreach by members of Congress. The nun, known as Sister Letty and part of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, was stopped while walking to Sunday Mass and taken to a detention facility, where agents confiscated her rosary.
The case prompted immediate bipartisan concern because the detention occurred near a house of worship and involved a person described locally as posing no public-safety threat. It renewed scrutiny of enforcement near sensitive locations and raised questions about how front-line decisions align with stated priorities. Last update: July 2, 2026.
Congressional outreach and same-day release
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz publicly questioned the focus of the action, stating, “As I have repeatedly said, our immigration enforcement should target violent criminals. A Catholic nun on her way to church is not a threat to our community.” Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez also called for Ugboaja’s release, with Cuellar saying he communicated with DHS leadership, including Secretary Markwayne Mullin, to resolve the situation.
Video showed Sister Ugboaja walking out of the El Valle detention facility in Raymondville that evening into the arms of Sister Norma Pimentel, who oversees the diocese’s charitable arm. Pimentel said Ugboaja phoned for help from custody and was distressed and confused, and added that agents did not allow access to the sister’s medication while detained. The rapid release followed multiple contacts between South Texas lawmakers and DHS officials seeking clarity on why the stop occurred.
Community reaction and diocesan steps
Bishop Daniel E. Flores called the action near a church “ wildly disturbing. ” The Diocese of Brownsville and local lawmakers said they were gathering details and pressing federal officials about the detention near a house of worship. Diocesan spokesperson Brenda Riojas expressed gratitude for the quick response from local representatives and said the diocese was seeking more information about the circumstances.
Faith leaders reported increased fear among parishioners about attending services in person, a trend they linked to the broader immigration crackdown and apprehension over encounters with federal agents. Some churches encouraged online participation and arranged help with errands such as grocery shopping for those hesitant to leave home. Diocesan leaders said they were ensuring international sisters have their documents in order and carry them at all times, and that they would continue advising parish communities on practical steps to minimize risk.
Enforcement priorities and calls for review
The incident intensified debate over prioritization in immigration enforcement. De La Cruz, a Republican representing Edinburg, reiterated that enforcement resources should target violent offenders. Cuellar, who represents Laredo, questioned how those resources were being used, while Gonzalez echoed concerns about focus and community impact. Candidate Bobby Pulido criticized the detention, pointing to fear among residents and support for strategies that can lead to similar incidents.
Civil rights advocates, including LULAC, demanded a formal review to determine whether established protocols were followed and to assess the need for safeguards that prevent recurrences. The episode drew sharper online discussion about race, noting Ugboaja is a Black woman from Nigeria detained in a border region where enforcement has often affected Latino residents. Critics asked why a Nigerian-born nun in full habit was stopped at all, and urged clearer guidance on sensitive locations.
Details of the stop and local context
Ugboaja was detained just a block from Our Lady of Sorrows Church while walking to Sunday Mass and taken into custody. Agents confiscated her rosary during the stop, and, according to diocesan accounts, she was not permitted to access her medication while detained. Lawmakers said they communicated directly with DHS leadership, including Secretary Markwayne Mullin, to seek her release and clarity on protocols governing similar encounters.
The Diocese of Brownsville said the case increased fear among parishioners and raised questions about protocols that determine enforcement priorities near houses of worship. Church staff and volunteers reported the incident has become a touchpoint for discussions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and community trust, with parish communities documenting concerns and looking for practical guidance.
Sister Letty’s role in health care and parish life
Ugboaja is a registered nurse who has worked at South Texas Health System and previously served as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg for a decade. She volunteers as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows, underscoring her integration in parish life and the wider community. Her congregation, the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, continues to support her and coordinate with diocesan leadership as questions persist about the stop.
Local advocates cited previous interventions by South Texas lawmakers in other ICE cases as evidence that congressional oversight can affect outcomes. Lawmakers and diocesan officials said they were monitoring for any further developments that could inform policy or operational adjustments, including clearer guidance on sensitive locations and front-line discretion that prioritizes public safety.
Ongoing monitoring and requested clarity
Faith leaders and community advocates urged DHS and ICE to provide more detailed parameters that guide stops and detentions in similar situations, especially near sensitive locations such as houses of worship. Parish communities reported practical measures to help those fearful of leaving home, including online service options and assistance with errands, while diocesan leaders continued to advise international sisters on carrying documentation.
Members of Congress sought explanations from federal officials on how enforcement priorities are set and communicated to front-line agents. LULAC called for an investigation and safeguards, while the diocese emphasized it would share updates as details are confirmed. Community leaders said they expect additional clarification from federal authorities on protocols that could shape future encounters.